Acclaimed New York City barbecue joint Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is opening a location in downtown Newark.

Dinosaur's fifth location - and first in New Jersey - is scheduled to open later this year at 224-226 Market St., in a former hardware store/chandelier factory.

Hmm, too bad Dinosaur isn't opening this week; they'd really cash in with the thousands of hoops fans pouring into town for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional!

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que owner and pitmaster John Stage sees the restaurant as "the perfect pre and post-event gathering for concertgoers and sports fans, as well as a neighborhood spot for families and friends any night of the week.''

Stage and his restaurant have come a long way - he started Dinosaur Bar-B-Que with two partners as a mobile concession unit in 1983 with a 55-gallon drum cut in half. The idea was hatched at the Harley Rendezvous, a massive motorcycle gathering near Albany, N.Y.

For five years the road was home, as Stage and his pals did motorcycle shows, fairs, and festivals throughout the Northeast. They settled in downtown Syracuse, opening a quick service lunch/dinner barbecue joint in 1988.

In 1990, the restaurant tripled in size, adding a full bar, full service dining, and live music. In 1998, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que opened in Rochester, N.Y. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Harlem followed in 2004; a fourth location in Troy, N.Y. opened last November.

Dinosaur’s menu of authentic barbeque and creative signature sides will be offered at the downtown Newark restaurant, along with a selection of regional craft brews at the expansive bar.

One added attraction: Stage will put the three pits center stage in the second-floor open kitchen, so diners can watch the racks of ribs and brisket emerge from the smokers.

Demolition has just started at the space, with Dinosaur restoring the historic building to its original beauty. The restaurant will highlight the original mosaic floors, pressed tin tile roof and exposed brick, while incorporating salvaged, eclectic accents to create an inviting and rustic environment for diners.

"I like Newark, the people, the architecture and the energy of what's going on in the area,'' Stage said. "I look forward to being a part of the community. I fell in love with our building, and I'm excited to open our doors later this year."